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Regulus Therapeutics, through its microMarkers division, has entered a new collaboration with Biogen Idec aimed at identifying microRNAs as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS). The new research will focus on profiling whole blood samples from a cohort of MS patients who have been treated with Biogen’s MS therapy to identify potential microRNA signatures. Regulus will receive $2 million upfront and is eligible for future milestones related to the identification of potential microRNA signatures.

The companies began their collaboration in August 2012 to identify potential MS microRNA biomarkers. Regulus used its technology platform to extract, profile, and analyze microRNAs from small volumes of blood to profile more than 400 serum samples from MS patients and compare those against the profiles of healthy volunteers. The results helped define the scope of the new research collaboration.

"We are pleased to grow the Regulus microMarkers™ division and expand our research on microRNA biomarkers with Biogen Idec," said David L. Szekeres, chief business officer and general counsel of Regulus. "Our collaboration has made significant progress to date and we are hopeful to continue to help advance Biogen Idec's leading multiple sclerosis franchise in a meaningful way with our innovative technology platform."